Kobe Paras (#6 in Pilipinas jersey) was part of the gold medal-winning team. FIBA Asia photo

Benjie Paras knows the excitement of carrying Philippine colors and winning a championship while representing the country in the international basketball scene.

That’s why the PBA’s “Tower of Power” wasn’t surprised when he was the first person his son Kobe called after helping the Philippine team win the FIBA Asia 3×3 Under-18 Championship last week.

“I experienced that before when we won the gold in the Southeast Asian games in Jakarta in 1987. It makes you feel proud being a Filipino and being a member of the champion team in an international tournament,” said Paras.

“He updated me right away when they won. Up to now, hindi sila makapaniwala beating China.”

Kobe, who plays guard for La Salle Greenhills, told his father about facing a much bigger Chinese squad.